FAA – RC AIRPLANES & DRONES

Hobby or recreational…
…flying doesn’t require FAA approval but you must follow safety guidelines. Any other use requires FAA
authorization. Avoid doing anything hazardous to other airplanes or people and property on the ground.

Model Aircraft/Hobby Drones Operations Limits
According to the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 as (1) the aircraft is flown strictly for hobby or recreational use; (2) the aircraft is operated in accordance with a community-based set of safety guidelines and within the programming of a nationwide community-based organization; (3) the aircraft is limited to not more than 55 pounds unless otherwise certified through a design, construction, inspection, flight test, and operational safety program administered by a community-based organization; (4) the aircraft is operated in a manner that does not interfere with and gives way to any manned aircraft; (5) when flown within 5 miles of an airport, the operator of the aircraft provides the airport operator and the airport air traffic control tower with prior notice of the operation; and (6) the aircraft is flown within visual line sight of the operator.

Commercial Drones
The Federal Aviation Administration on Sunday (2-15-15) released proposed rules regarding the use of small commercial drones. The rules apply to drones weighing up to 55 pounds, limit the device speed to 100 mph and altitudes no higher than 500 feet. The drone must be in the pilot’s sight at all times, operated by a person not younger than 17 years old, and would be prohibited from flying them at night. Drone operators will not have to undergo an FAA medical but must self-certify before every flight. They will further need to pass an FAA knowledge test every two years. Their commercial drone must be registered under the regulations proposed in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking released by the FAA and the DOT